U.S. Department of Justice ADA Mediation Program

"In 1994, the Department of Justice established the ADA Mediation Program. Initially funded through the ADA Technical Assistance Program, the Mediation Program now operates under a contract with the Key Bridge Foundation."

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) works with the Key Bridge Foundation (KBF) in a public-private partnership to administer the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Mediation Program to settle complaints under Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Since 1994, The KBF maintains a national roster of seasoned neutral mediators with expertise in the ADA, receiving over 7,000 complaints referred to mediation by DOJ. In 79% of cases, complainants and respondents will implement an agreement that resolves the complaint.

More Information

For information about filing an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, visit:

https://www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm,

DOJ’s ADA Information Line:
800-514-0301 (voice)
800-514-0383 (TTY).

 

Individuals can file an ADA complaint alleging disability discrimination against a State or local government or a public accommodation (including, for example, a restaurant, doctor’s office, retail store, hotel, etc.) by:

e-mail: [email protected]
fax: (202) 307-1197
on-line: https://www.ada.gov/complaint/

by mail:
US Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section – 1425 NYAV
Washington, D.C. 20530

For More Information:

KBF ADA Mediation Program Standards https://www.mediate.com/articles/keybridgestds.cfm

 

ADA Mediation Services at the KBF Center for Mediation
https://www.ada.gov/mediation_docs/mediation-brochure.pdf

 

ADA National Network
https://adata.org/

 

United States Access Board
https://www.access-board.gov/

Additional information on the ADA Mediation Program can be found in these U.S. Department of Justice publications:

With questions or concerns about the program, please feel free to call KBF at 202-274-1822.

Comments from Complainants

"Without the mediator and the mediation process, I would definitely not have accomplished anything. Thank you very much, and from all the people who will be using those ramps and doors."

“Thank you again for providing a positive way to ensure the rights of people with disabilities. I am very happy with the mediation process and the mediator.”

“Our mediator was very fair minded and positive. He had an ability to put both parties at ease and had good insight into the process needed to help us come to a good decision.”

“The mediator is wonderful. She is neutral and helpful to have all involved in the process. She helped everyone to stay focused and rational and we were able to reach an agreement.”

“The mediator was attentive to details and very observant. I was impressed with her knowledge of ADA and her professionalism.”

“Our mediator was very positive. Key Bridge set deadlines and I was happy that the process moved quickly. Overall, the facility will be much easier for persons with disabilities to negotiate. That was our goal.”

“Thank you for assisting my service animal and myself in this matter. The result has educated the store owner and his staff and will allow us shopping close to home. The mediator was great and did an outstanding job.”

It took the mediator only 3 days to help to settle this dispute.”

“The mediator was extremely helpful in resolving the issues and helping understand ADA law. I highly recommend mediation as a useful tool in resolving conflicts. Key Bridge is great! Very professional and with a helpful staff.”

Comments from Respondants

“The mediator’s demeanor was key to settlement, his knowledge of the legal issues helped resolve the case. His commitment went above and beyond.”

“The mediator was professional, kept mediation on focus and finalized in a positive manner for all.”

“Mediation was a very good process. It helped me as business person to understand the ADA better.”

“I was impressed with the way the mediator sat back and listened as the parties worked out their solutions. Very flexible and accommodating with meeting times.”

“We had a very good mediation; we're going to fix the problem as it should be fixed.”

“This was a successful day. We got creative and it worked. This couldn't have happened in court.”

“Rarely have I ever seen someone like this mediator who is so gentle in her manners. It was very easy to deal with her. I wish to have someone like her in my company.”

“The mediator was very nice. Very polite, and a good listener. The other party didn't listen to me before, but did in mediation.”

“The mediator was very good, and kept the discussion focused on the complaint. Resolution was achieved quickly.”